Mary Elizabeth Brown was born
on June 26, 1822 in Albany, New York. Her parents were David and Elizabeth
Brown. David Brown worked as an Episcopalian Priest who frequently went on
mission trips to Florida. Mary likely accompanied her father on some of
those trips. She and her childhood friend, Mary McClure taught at
Northwestern University before moving to Florida in 1876. Both women had
family friends, such as the Comstocks, the Geers, and Richmond families who
spoke highly of Central Florida.

Brown and McClure purchased
ten acres of land off of Lake Sylvan and built their own homestead. These
women differed from early Winter Park settlers, because they were single
female homesteaders. They came to the region as two retired teachers with
only a modest life savings, in contrast to many early Winter Park residents
who had success in business.[1]Although
Mary Brown and Mary McClure came to Florida as middle aged women, neither
age nor gender proved to be an obstacle for them. In fact, they often
referred to their own home as “No Man’s Land.”[2]
Brown and McClure always helped those who required their aid. Unlike many of
Winter Park’s early residents, Brown and McClure lived in the community year
round. They possessed a pioneer’s spirit and did not simply look to retire.[3]
Brown’s resilient and independent nature can be seen in her diary.

Defying stereotypes, over the years Brown
purchased and sold property for a profit . She
contributed to the community’s intellectual growth by giving lectures on
literature and supported the construction of schools, libraries, and
churches.[4]
Brown also drew attention in the community with a mule named “Johnny Brown”
that acted as a companion to Brown and McClure.[5]

Mary Brown died on November
16, 1909 at the age of eighty-seven. Brown recorded much of her life in her
diary. Housed in the Winter Park
Public Library,
the diary, lists daily activities, social events, financial
information, cooking recipes, and valuable insights into the history living in early Winter Park.[6]